Mental Well-being, Disability and Development

The United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, will organize an “Expert Group Meeting on Mental Well-being, Disability and Development” at UNU-IIGH in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,

Globally, an estimated one in four people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. A recent study estimated that the cumulative global impact of mental disorders in terms of lost economic output will amount to US$16.3 trillion between 2011 and 2030, while reasonable investment in mental well-being can contribute to better mental well-being. Additionally, there are strong stigma and discriminations against persons with mental and intellectual disabilities. In particular in disaster settings, protection of persons with mental and intellectual disabilities is often neglected.

The economic, social and health impact of poor mental well-being is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcome. Mental well-being represents a critical indicator and a key determinant of well-being, quality of life, hope, and sustainable development. However, despite this close link between mental well-being and disability with development, the mental aspects have long been neglected in development discourse. Successful and sustainable development policies and programmes require a renewed prioritization of mental well-being and disability.